What to Do About Swine Flu.

There has been much talk about Swine Flu. Here are some important things you need to know. First and foremost, DO NOT PANIC. If you panic, children will too. They will take their cues from you. Some years ago, I went on a cruise with two of my grandchildren, and a virus went around the ship. My two grandchildren got it. We had to stay in our room. None of us felt great physically, but I made sure that we laughed and had fun and they felt nurtured and loved throughout the illness. It became a special time of bonding. My point is, that you are in charge of your feelings. While you cannot always control the outer circumstances, you sure can help children with the inner circumstances. Children will take their cues from you.

As always, it is important that you differentiate flu symptoms from symptoms of allergies. This is allergy season in most parts of the United States and abroad. An allergy is generally not associated with a fever, and the discharge from the nose is generally clear, thin, and watery, as opposed to yellow or greenish. Children with allergies are not contagious. A health care provider can make that determination better than you.

The symptoms of Swine Flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea. Parents who see these symptoms in their children need to keep their children home. That is important. They should not take their children out during this time. They should not bring their children to work with them, as it can spread through the workplace.

If you develop those symptoms, DO NOT GO TO WORK. You will not be helping children, but instead you will be helping to spread whatever it is that you have.

If you or your children have any of the symptoms described for Swine Flu, consult your health care professional. In some areas, health care providers may recommend more rigid exclusion policies so STAY INFORMED.

Children and adults who have the flu may be contagious for 5-10 days from when the illness began. Consult your health care provider so you know when it is safe to bring children out in public again.

Become familiar with plans and laws, locally and in your state, should there be more evidence of this flu strain. It is always wise to be informed. As of this writing, there have been limited confirmed cases across the USA. Check out this website for good information: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu

Limit the spread of infection through good hand washing practices; covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing; and ensuring equipment is cleaned frequently that children are using. Have lots of tissues and disposable towels available.

Spend lots of time teaching children handwashing. It is not just a quick wash with water. Teach them to lather up with soap and use hot water and wash thoroughly. I teach children to sing the Happy Birthday song quietly to themselves while lathering. When they are finished with the song, it is time to thoroughly rinse their hands. It is important that they wipe their hands with a clean disposable cloth.

Together, we will all STOP this from spreading. In the meantime, live your lives and have fun! Children will take their cues from you.

Maryln